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Is fasting a threat for transportation safety?
Muslim employees of transportation operators face a dilemma during Ramadhan. Fasting might affect their performance and jeopardize safety.
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Idul Fitri holidaymakers throng a road along the northern Java coast in Tegal, Central Java, during the seasonal exodus last year. (ANTARA FOTO/Oky Lukmansyah)
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amadhan typcially sees some changes in the workplace, such as reduced working hours and rescheduled shifts. The spirit of the changes is to accommodate those who fast and to let them fast as much as possible in comfortable conditions during work hours. Fair enough, as Muslims are the majority.
For transportation operators, however, it’s mostly business as usual. Pilots, train drivers, sailors and even intercity bus drivers still operate their respective modes of transportation to transport goods and people safely.
The frequency of the operations may remain constant, except for the extra tasks they may have in connection with the massive homecoming ahead of Idul Fitri, commonly referred to as mudik (exodus).
Muslim employees of transportation operators face a dilemma of personal and professional interest during Ramadhan. They should observe fasting, as it is obligatory, but they are also aware of the fact that fasting might affect their performance and jeopardize safety.
Therefore, answering the above question is essential for striking a compromise between those two interests. It may also enlighten transportation stakeholders, so that they can have a correct attitude toward fasting and transportation safety.
Studies on fasting and the performance of transportation-sector employees are relatively sparse in literature. The best way to answer the question, therefore, is to assess the effect of fasting on two major aspects of performance: cognitive and physical functions.
Several studies have found that fasting does not affect cognitive functions of healthy adults. Yet other studies have found that fasting might affect intellectual and mental performance, including coping and decision-making, concentration, vigilance, memory and reaction.
